Start of main content
Discipleship Groups

Discipleship Groups

Groups of three like-minded Christians of the same gender, laser focused on helping each other grow in discipleship to Jesus.

Crowds gathered to hear Jesus, many followed Him, He sent out 72 disciples (Lk 10:1), called 12 disciples (Mk. 3:13-19), and had an inner circle of 3 disciples (Peter, James, & John, Matt. 17:1, 26:37, et. al.).
Likewise, the early church began with a practice of large church gatherings, smaller house gatherings, and in relationship where they could carry each others’ burdens, confess sin to one another, encourage and build one another up (Acts 2:46; Gal. 6:2; 1 Thes. 5:11; James 5:16).

Not only do we see this pattern in Scripture, we know that each serves a vital role in our walk with Jesus. Gathering for corporate worship, in smaller Life Group-type settings, and groups of three or so in order to be deeply known and accountable, each play a role in holistic discipleship.

What are Discipleship Groups?

Discipleship Groups are laser focused on the gospel and helping each other grow in Christ.
They are made up of three like-minded brothers in Christ (for men), sisters in Christ (for women) who seek to meet regularly (1-4 times per month) and keep in touch routinely in order to help one another grow in your discipleship to Jesus. These smaller groups allow for greater frequency of contact, depth, and vulnerability than larger group settings.
This includes being known by each other in such a way that you can be completely honest with your joys and struggles, confess sin, remind each other of the truth of the gospel, and build one another up in the faith. The goal is encouragement, accountability, and growth.

Discipleship Groups are not another church event on the calendar, they are a way of life.


How do they function?

Groups can determine how often you get together whether it is weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This may change depending on the level of need in the particular season. Meet the amount that seems helpful and not redundant. Additionally, establish a Group Chat (eg. WhatsApp, iMessage) where you can reach out to each other for encouragement, accountability, and prayer requests, any time, anywhere.

Meetings are straightforward:

  1. Check in with each other
  2. Ask each other how you’re doing at living for Jesus in your key roles (ie. spouse, work, parenting, making disciples, etc.)
  3. Discuss 1-2 questions from the list below
  4. Speak into each other’s lives with encouragement and challenge as the Holy Spirit leads
  5. Pray for each other


COMMITMENTS REQUIRED TO FORM A DISCIPLESHIP GROUP

For a Discipleship Group to be effective, each member should affirm the following:

  1. Are you committed to Jesus Christ?
  2. Are you willing to be honest and accountable?
  3. Are you willing to take rebukes, chastening, and instruction from others?
  4. Are you resolved to forsake your idols and inordinate loves?
  5. Are you committed to the edification of the others in your group?
  6. Will you refrain from repeating the confidential things discussed?


Discipleship Group Discussion Questions

Download this PDF and pick 1 or 2 to discuss each time you meet.

Discussion Questions | PDF

Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact office@centralcommunity.ca